Heat Pump Cost Calculator (Metric)
Estimate the installed cost of a heat pump for your home, based on its size, the system type, and whether new ductwork is needed.
What your result means
The estimated installed cost is a low-to-high range based on your home size and the system type, with new ductwork added when selected. The midpoint is a reasonable planning number. Before you buy, confirm capacity with our HVAC size calculator, and if you're weighing a full system swap, compare it against our furnace and AC replacement cost calculator.
How to use this calculator
- Enter your home's conditioned square footage.
- Pick the system type: ducted air-source, ductless mini-split, or geothermal.
- Say whether new ductwork is part of the job (ducted systems).
- Read the installed-cost range and use the midpoint to budget.
- Subtract any federal tax credits and utility rebates you qualify for.
The formula
Heat pump cost scales with home size and system type. Air-source units are the most affordable; geothermal costs far more up front because of the ground loop, but runs cheapest over time.
Worked example
A 2,0 m² home getting a ducted air-source heat pump with existing ductwork: 2,000 times $5.50 is $11,000. The range lands near $9,900 to $12,650, midpoint about $11,275. A geothermal system the same size would start around $30,000 before incentives.
Heat pump cost by system type
| System | Typical $/sq ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Air-source (ducted) | $4 - $7 | Best value; uses existing ducts |
| Ductless mini-split | $5 - $8 | No ducts; great for additions & zones |
| Geothermal | $12 - $20+ | Highest up-front; lowest running cost |
| New ductwork | +~$1.50/sq ft | Only for ducted systems |
| Incentives | Varies | Federal credit + utility rebates can be large |
Tips & gotchas
- Federal tax credits and utility rebates can knock thousands off a heat pump — check before you sign.
- Get a Manual J load calculation so the unit is sized right, not just rule-of-thumb.
- Cold-climate heat pumps work well below freezing now — ask for a cold-climate rated model up north.
- Ductless mini-splits shine for additions, garages, and rooms the ducts never reached.
- This is installed equipment cost; permits and electrical upgrades can be extra.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a heat pump cost installed?
A ducted air-source heat pump typically runs $8,000 to $15,000 installed for an average home. Ductless and geothermal range higher, with geothermal often $20,000 to $45,000 before incentives.
Is a heat pump cheaper than a furnace and AC?
Up front they're comparable to a high-efficiency furnace-plus-AC pairing, but a heat pump does both heating and cooling in one system and usually costs less to run.
Do heat pumps qualify for rebates?
Often yes. Federal tax credits and many utility programs offer significant rebates on qualifying high-efficiency heat pumps. Check current programs in your area.
What size heat pump do I need?
It depends on home size, insulation, and climate. Use a Manual J load calculation rather than square footage alone, and confirm with our HVAC size calculator.
Does this include ductwork?
Only if you select it. New or replacement ductwork is added at about $1.50 per square foot and applies to ducted systems.
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Estimates only — see our full disclaimer.